$3.9bn Pledged to Support Developing Countries Under New GEF Funding Cycle

Countries across the globe have pledged an initial $3.9 billion to support the ninth replenishment cycle of the Global Environment Facility, signaling renewed commitment to tackling pressing environmental challenges through multilateral cooperation.

The funding, announced ahead of the GEF Council meeting scheduled for late May, is expected to strengthen efforts by developing countries to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation while promoting sustainable development.

The GEF-9 cycle, which will run from July 2026 to June 2030, comes at a critical moment as global assessments warn of accelerating environmental decline and looming ecological tipping points. The fund serves as a financial mechanism for key international agreements, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Interim CEO of the GEF, Claude Gascon, described the replenishment as a strong signal that the international community remains committed to environmental protection despite competing global priorities. He noted that the upcoming funding cycle would focus on delivering high-impact results aligned with 2030 environmental goals.

The new funding framework prioritizes integrated approaches across key sectors such as food systems, urban development, energy, health, and nature conservation. It also aims to mobilize private sector investment through blended finance, with a target of allocating 25 percent of resources to attract additional capital.

A significant portion of the funds will be directed toward vulnerable regions. About 35 percent is earmarked for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), while 20 percent will support Indigenous Peoples and local communities, reflecting a shift toward more inclusive environmental governance.

Germany, Spain, and Mexico were among countries that reaffirmed their support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collective action and sustainable development. Germany, in particular, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to drive environmental solutions.

Co-Chair of the GEF Council, Richard Bontjer, said the replenishment underscores confidence in the institution’s ability to deliver measurable impact and mobilize additional financing at scale.

Africa has been a major beneficiary of GEF funding over the years, receiving more than $7.7 billion in cumulative support across over 2,000 projects spanning biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, and ecosystem protection. This financing has helped mobilise additional co-financing of more than $50 billion from development partners, strengthening environmental programmes across the continent. K

The 71st GEF council meeting is scheduled to hold in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from May 31 to June 3, 2026, ahead of the eighth GEF assembly where individual country pledges will be formally announced.